The island nation was severely impacted by Intense Cyclone Fung-wong, which left at least two people dead and displaced more than 1.4 million individuals.
Authorities reported that the massive storm triggered extensive sudden floods, coastal inundation, mudslides, and fierce gale-force winds, prompting the evacuation of millions of residents across the country.
Widespread Damage and Emergency Operations
In Pandan, Catanduanes, a severely affected area, disaster response teams recorded rising waters reaching rooftop levels and residences washed out by strong flows.
“Our personnel saved fourteen people stranded atop a house surrounded by water in a low-lying neighbourhood,” a disaster-mitigation officer explained. “A father frantically contacted us, reporting the roof of his house was about to be ripped off due to the storm. We saved him along with four family members.”
As of Monday morning, authorities announced two fatalities: a drowning victim on the island and another killed when her house collapsed on Samar island.
Typhoon Strength and Forecast
The super typhoon was downgraded to a typhoon on Monday morning as it crossed the main island, home to the national capital.
According to meteorological authorities, its maximum winds decreased from 185 km/h to 165 km/h, though wind bursts peaked at over 170 mph.
The storm system is expected to continue weakening as it moves north toward Taiwan.
Response and Recovery
The national disaster response service stated it was still working to assess damage on buildings and roads.
Roughly 6,000 evacuation centres have been opened to accommodate tens of thousands of households.
Previous Storms and Climate Impact
Fung-wong struck shortly following Typhoon Kalmaegi, which killed hundreds of lives and left another 135 missing prior to advancing toward Vietnam, where it killed five.
Searches for the missing persons had to be suspended on Sunday over risks to emergency personnel.
Global warming is causing tropical storms more intense and common. This typhoon marks the twenty-first storm to hit the Philippines this year.
Researchers report that the rate of intense cyclones hitting the Philippines has increased doubled in the past twenty years.
Global assessments indicate that intense storms result in an average of millions in dollars in losses to the country every year.
The nation’s leader issued a state of emergency on Thursday due to the severe damage caused by Kalmaegi and the expected damage from Fung-wong.
